Eastern Alchemy

Eastern Alchemy

by Andrea Marcigliano

From: https://electomagazine.it/alchimie-orientali/

Understanding China, Japan, or Taiwan is, for us Westerners, an extremely difficult task.

Because their policies escape our usual criteria. They become foggy, difficult to decipher.

Of course, we read what they write. We listen to what they say. And yet, we do not understand, or rather, we cannot understand because we have a different conception/representation of time.

Even with the Japanese and Taiwanese, who have already endured decades of American dominance. Who have been imbued with our modernity.

But this is only a superficial layer. An appearance, that can fall apart at any moment.

Japan has, since 1945 to today, essentially been an American colony. Controlled in every way. Forced to be different from what it is, due to history and culture.

And this seemed to have tamed and anesthetized it. Despite rebellions and solitary protests. Like Mishima’s seppuku.

It seemed...

But now, Washington, for specific reasons related to containing Chinese expansion, has allowed, or rather been compelled to allow, Japan to rearm itself. That is, to no longer be a giant economic power, but a Lilliputian one.

And immediately, Tokyo resumed political activity. Quite autonomously. Declaring, through its Prime Minister, that it has no intention of breaking its trade relations with Beijing. On the contrary, it wants to strengthen them. Because it is in Japan’s national interest.

Taiwan still lives in a suspended dimension. With the United States trying, by all means, to favor those who want to make the Taiwanese a distinct people, and separate from China.

Ethnic and social engineering is not easy. Because beyond these young Taiwanese hawks, influenced by the US, there are many deep ties between the great island and the Chinese mainland. To the point that the Kuomintang, heir of Chinese nationalism, still claims its connection with the continent. And continues to fight to keep it alive.

Paradoxically, the historic enemy of the Chinese Communist Party is now the potential ally of Beijing. Which, whenever it suits, claims the final reunification with Taiwan. But without hurry, with full Eastern calm.

Yes... Beijing. The economic and industrial giant that represents the true obsession of all American administrations. Which see it as the Enemy. And yet, they cannot do without it, as the interests of the two powers are closely intertwined.

The rulers of the Forbidden City are convinced that a frontal clash with the Americans is inevitable. But they are in no rush. On the contrary, they let time pass peacefully, carefully managing their affairs. And gradually expanding their sphere of influence.

Asia, the Middle East, vast areas of Africa. And, not least, the great trade routes between China and Europe. The Silk Road 2.0, and the Noble String of Pearls, or the Maritime Silk Road. From China to the Mediterranean, passing through the Indian Ocean and Suez.

They are in no rush. Xi Jinping smiles slyly. And so does his entire leadership. The new mandarins of the Forbidden City.

They count on time, which works for them.

The neurotic haste of the West does not affect them.

On the contrary, it favors them.